An Open Letter To Jeb Bush

For the record, I voted for both your father and your brother. For all of the bad things that have been said about your brother, I thought him an honorable man who loved his country. He made mistakes. But his mistakes were not from greed or malice. I feel that his mistakes were brought about by loyalty. 

Your brother tried to be your father's second and third term. To do this he enlisted the support of family retainers. I think he would have been better served by people of his own generation. Past is past. The future is upon us.

I was initially against your candidacy because I don't like dynasties. They are, simply, not good for the country. I watched your announcement speech and was much encouraged. You said many of the right things. I hope that you meant them.

Going back to the family retainer thing, it might help people like me to have some idea about your thoughts for cabinet members. I know that naming names will not happen. Some assurance that you are a new Bush with a different agenda and different ideas might help.

I would speak, in reverent terms, about the Constitution, frequently. That great document has been badly treated and needs a great deal of healing. In my opinion, much of that damage has occurred because the Republican leadership abdicated their opposition position and hid in their offices while our Constitution was abused. Corrective action is sorely needed there.

I still don't know if I would vote for you in a primary. At least now I am willing to listen. In a general election, I most certainly wouldn't vote for Hillary. Or whoever replaces her. I know she looks invincible now. She also looked invincible eight years ago. And now she has eight more years of hard road on her.

One last point. If you should be the candidate, I hope that you will consider Carly Fiorina as a running mate. The woman is formidable. Running against Hillary or Michelle or Elizabeth or Bernie or someone still under the radar, she would be a game changer. So, good luck. Give it your best shot. There's a long trek ahead.

Sincerely,
Cranky